I did want to have some adventures during my stay in Iloilo so my brother and I decided to go out of town and to the place named "Culasi". He recommended the Malalison Island (sometimes being called as "Mararison" because of the dialect of locals who lived there) which I heard is a remote and beautiful place. We went there for a day tour only and I know it's kinda "bitin" (short) but the place was so spectacular and I mean it.
We took a Van from Iloilo City (since we were not able to catch the Bus) for 6 hours just to reach the Culasi terminal and from there we rode a tricycle going to the port. We then rented a boat going to the island. In the port, we have to register and pay some fees there. (Tip: It would be nice to group yourselves to 5 to minimize the fees of the boat). We arrived at the Malalison Island around noon time and we hired a guide to tour us around the mountain side of the Island. The trail was so easy to trek and reaching the top was way too fast. Indeed, the view up there was worth it. People who have been there called or tagged the place as "The Little Batanes". Our guide told us that the mountain looks like a resting bird with its feathers widely spread out.
We took a Van from Iloilo City (since we were not able to catch the Bus) for 6 hours just to reach the Culasi terminal and from there we rode a tricycle going to the port. We then rented a boat going to the island. In the port, we have to register and pay some fees there. (Tip: It would be nice to group yourselves to 5 to minimize the fees of the boat). We arrived at the Malalison Island around noon time and we hired a guide to tour us around the mountain side of the Island. The trail was so easy to trek and reaching the top was way too fast. Indeed, the view up there was worth it. People who have been there called or tagged the place as "The Little Batanes". Our guide told us that the mountain looks like a resting bird with its feathers widely spread out.
Just a side story regarding the sister island, the "Batbatan Island", which was once a tourist destination same with Malalison Island. During those early times, locals taking care of the that Island and those how lived there would put poison on the water they offered to the Tourists for drinking. This is the reason why there were not a lot of Tourists go there anymore and if ever they do visit that place, they will never drink the water the locals offer them. Maybe the locals were not that fond of people going into their home place but still, a little bit scary.
Now going back to Malalison Island, the top of the mountain offers a scenic and panoramic view of the island. Just a perfect place to take some beautiful pictures with different angles. Of course, I didn't let that moment swift away without taking Instagram worthy pictures and of course, for my blog. After the trek, it's time to eat our lunch. It was a bit late already but thankful for the people there because of their hospitality. They cooked food for us and it was good and affordable. Actually, you can even request a dish or style of cooking you want. After eating our lunch, we went to the seaside for a walk. Since we only went there for a Day Tour, we did not have a room for our things. Good thing our guide offered us a "Kubo" where we can put our things safely while we go on swimming.
The Island has a short white sandbar that makes the place looks gorgeous. I even spotted some white foreigners in the island having a good time swimming. The sandbar was so perfect for me. The locals kept on reminding us not to go beyond the sandbar for our safety. I got some photo of the sandbar and a picturesque of Mt. Madja'as in front of the island. The view of the mountain from the island makes me wanna stay a bit longer. I even promised myself to climb that mountain in the near future. There are so much on that Island that I was not able to do or even visited because of lack of time. We even need to chase the last trip going back to the City since the place is a bit far off.
Our way back to the port is a bit adventurous I can say. The boat that fetches us is a bit smaller compared to the previous one who drove us to the Island and we can really feel the waves in the water especially those big ones. I don't know how to explain it but just one wrong move of the driver, the boat will sink. Every time there was a big wave, I feel that we were on top of it and then it tries to pull us down. My brother got so nervous that time and did not even moved an inch thinking that the boat will sink if he does. And as for me? Yeah, I felt nervous a little but enjoyed most of the ride and even got excited. That was my first time riding a small fishing boat, four of us and in an open sea. :D
My experiences there was kinda fulfilling for me and adventurous. It was my first adventure alone (without my husband whom I kept on relying) along with my not so little brother. I would really recommend the place to visit for those who love adventures. I would advise you to stay for a night, go for island hopping to see the caves at the back of the Island, diving/snorkeling, trek the mountains and talk to some friendly locals about the history of the place. Going to remote places like this will make you a new person. Feel and embrace what nature can bring you.
"Let nature heal your soul, sometimes we need that."
Preset By: Arjhay de Leon
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